Overview
Composites are material systems consisting of two or more distinct phases, whose overall performance and properties are designed to be superior to those of the constituent materials acting independently. Northwestern University has a broad and active program in research and graduate study of many types of composite materials. Research activities include processing, characterization, micromechanics, fracture, fatigue and dynamic behavior, damage mechanics, nondestructive evaluation, and life prediction. Experimental, analytical, and computational methods are pursued to support and enhance fundamental understanding of the behavior of these multiphase, multifunctional systems as well as develop methodologies for predictive design of composite materials with superior tailored properties.

The program is supported by well equipped laboratories which include chemical hoods, presses, autoclaves, and state of the art RTM equipment for synthesis and fabrication of composites; test systems for nano- and micro-mechanical as well as large scale studies, with chambers providing test environments from cryogenic to over 1500° C temperatures; and dynamic, experimental stress analysis, and nondestructive test facilities. Laboratory facilities are complemented by extensive computer resources. Faculty members active in various aspects of the program include Profs. Z. P. Bazant, L. C. Brinson, I. M. Daniel, H. D. Espinosa, K. T. Faber, Y. Huang and J. Qu.

Professor Isaac M. Daniel
Walter P. Murphy Professor
Northwestern University
Departments of Civil and Environmental
Engineering and Mechanical Engineering
Director, Center for Intelligent Processing of Composites

2137 Tech Drive
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL 60208-3020

Phone: (847) 491-5649
Fax: (847) 491-5227
E-mail: imdaniel@northwestern.edu